Bacalaítos

Bacalaítos are crispy, savory fritters made from a batter of salted codfish (bacalao), flour, and seasonings, often enjoyed as a street food or appetizer. They are a beloved staple in Puerto Rican cuisine, where they are typically served hot, sometimes with a side of cheese or a dipping sauce. The dish highlights the island's culinary tradition of transforming preserved fish into a flavorful, handheld snack.

🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

These fritters are a balanced source of protein from the codfish and carbohydrates from the flour, with a moderate amount of fat from frying. They provide key nutrients like B vitamins, selenium, and phosphorus, with a typical serving containing roughly 250-350 calories.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	300 kcal
Protein	15 g
Carbs	30 g
Fat	12 g
Fiber	1 g
Sugar	2 g
Sodium	800 mg
Selenium	25 mcg
Phosphorus	180 mg
Niacin (B3)	3 mg
Vitamin B12	1.5 mcg
Potassium	250 mg
Magnesium	30 mg
Iron	2 mg
Zinc	1.5 mg

Per 4 medium fritters (about 120 g) · estimated, varies by recipe

💡 What's interesting

Culturally, bacalaítos reflect the historical importance of salted cod in Caribbean and Latin American diets due to its long shelf life. Nutritionally, they offer a unique way to consume omega-3 fatty acids from fish in a crispy, accessible format.